Executive Director

I am one of SMEX’s co-founders and have served as its Executive Director since 2017. Over the years, my work has spanned different areas of digital rights, with a consistent focus on building a sustainable digital rights movement across Arabic-speaking countries and advancing critical thinking about technology and its adoption in the WANA region.

Project Manager

I focus on critical issues such as data protection, digital safety, and the impact of digital vulnerabilities on privacy and human rights. My work emphasizes the importance of robust digital policies to safeguard communication networks and citizen data. With a background in digital safety, media, and communications, I write at the intersection of technology and emerging means of communication and have a deep passion for technology, economics, and entrepreneurship.

Senior Policy Analyst and Project Lead

Most at home by Mediterranean waters and olive trees. I focus on content moderation, gender-based violence, media and cybercrime laws, and AI ethics. I’m a full time political cat mom, a salsa dancer, and a poet off the record.

Programs & Partnerships Manager

I am a senior global programs and funding leader with 10+ years advancing digital rights, feminist movements, civic space, and international human rights.

Graphic Designer

Here to turn ideas into creative visual stories! I create engaging designs that support digital rights and social impact initiatives, and enjoy making complex topics easier to understand through design. When I’m away from my screen, I love exploring new places and trying different foods.

Finance Manager

As Finance manager, I combine a background in accounting and auditing with the passion for helping SMEX make informed, strategic decisions. I believe that behind every number lies a story to create impact. Outside numbers & spreadsheets, you’ll often find me chasing sunsets or working out and practicing yoga.

Communications Assistant

I’m a journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of technology, political systems, and media. I hold a degree in Multimedia Journalism and have conducted academic research on the Lebanese media system. I am an incoming student in the MSc in Social Science of the Internet at the University of Oxford. Outside of work, I […]

Bread&Net Project Assistant

As the Project Assistant for Bread&Net at SMEX, I support research, communications, and project coordination across the conference’s key workstreams. I have a background in Communications and will soon be pursuing a Master’s in Global Studies. My passions lie mainly in youth empowerment and cross-cultural exchange. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and taking care […]

Communications Manager

I am a human-rights advocate with 10+ years experience in advocacy, campaigning, strategic communications, and media engagement across development and humanitarian contexts. I believe that storytelling and communications are so powerful that they can drive change. Outside work, I like reading, theatre, story-writing, and enjoying every single part of my motherhood journey.

Outreach Coordinator

I am a journalist with over 15 years of experience, and now participate in SMEX’s outreach efforts as Outreach Coordinator. I’ve previously worked for major Lebanese and Arab publications, but my work is now mostly focused on digital rights and human rights issues. In addition, I am a PhD candidate in International Relations. Outside of […]

Digital Safety Helpdesk Incident Handler

I work in digital security, focusing on the intersection of technology, human rights, and online safety. I am an Incident Handler and Digital Security Trainer at SMEX, where I support individuals and communities facing cyber threats, online harassment, and account compromises across the MENA region. I also deliver digital security trainings for journalists, activists, and […]

Operations Manager

Hi, I’m Nora, Operations Manager at SMEX. I love bringing structure to big ideas, bridging strategy and execution to help turn ambitious plans into meaningful work that advances digital rights and human rights. I’m passionate about all things operations and enjoy creating systems and processes that keep work flowing smoothly behind the scenes. At heart, […]

Senior Legal and EU Policy Lead

Hi, I am Dionysia, SMEX’s EU person. My work focuses, among other things, on topics such as content moderation and broader freedom of expression concerns, big tech accountability, and stakeholder engagement. Outside of legal research and policy analysis, I spend my time cycling around Paris or trying to learn Arabic.

Policy Unit Manager

Dia Kayyali (they/them) is a member of the Core Committee of the Christchurch Call Advisory Network, a technology and human rights consultant, and a community organizer. As a leader in the content moderation and platform accountability space, Dia’s work has focused on the real-life impact of policy decisions made by lawmakers and technology companies, with […]

Policy Associate

I am a Policy Associate at SMEX. Throughout my journey, I have developed a strong interest in technology, law and human rights. I specialized in Digital Law and Data Privacy at Sorbonne University. After obtaining my Master’s degree and gaining professional experience in France, I returned to Lebanon to dedicate my career to advocating for […]